Lucas linked with move from Liverpool, would it be wise to let him leave?

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has been linked with a move away from the club, with Napoli rumoured to be a close to agreeing a loan deal for the Brazilian, according to one report.

Given the Reds change of system towards the end of last season with Steven Gerrard occupying a deeper midfield role, combined the signing of Emre Can, Lucas seems to face an uphill task getting into the starting line-up for Liverpool in the season ahead.

When he filled in for Jordan Henderson towards the end of last season in a more advanced role, the Brazilian seemed to struggle somewhat and there seemed to be a lot more errors to his game than usual.

Lucas looks like the more natural holding midfield player at the club. When Brendan Rodgers began the experiment of operating Gerrard in a deeper role there were some problems, one game saw Liverpool trail Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield. Lucas was introduced at half time, and although he got injured 15 minutes later, there was more control in the middle of the park for Liverpool.

There were reports suggesting that the club are open to offers for the midfielder, but even in pre-season games Lucas seems to have a prominent role. Rodgers is still trialling systems with new players, and in both games so far Lucas has been the sitting midfielder.

Admittedly, Gerrard is still having time off following the World Cup and that is a factor, but he still seems central to plans to develop a Liverpool side, if not in terms of his own performance, then for the team tactically.

It would be understandable if Liverpool were to let him go, as the likelihood is that he is going to be on the bench for much of the season if Gerrard is fit enough to play most games.

He still seems like an accomplished footballer, and although competition is going to be fierce in that part of the field, there are two players competing with him who are at the opposite ends of their careers. His age may mean it's worth him sticking around, whether Brendan Rodgers sees that is another matter.

It's a difficult decision to make, and it's understandable if the club wanted to keep him or let him go.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.